I have finally taken upon myself to watch the turn-of-he-century series “The Gilded Age.”

For those who are unfamiliar with this Julian Fellowes creation, The Gilded Age is about new money vs old money in 1880’s New York City.

Like its predecessor, Downton Abbey, the series is glorious in its sets, fashions, and elegance.

Now I realize this is a fictional creation for mass viewers, but it does touch on the morals and habits of people who lived 143-ish years ago. 

It has all the raised prickles of a porcupine — upper class snobbery, racial bigotry, struggles of power and wealth and forbidden love and all that world entangles. And I know these fictional plights are separate from the true tragedies that still plague the world today — war, famine, poverty, bigotry. 

But that’s not the angle I take this morning. I’m more moved by the social laws and desires and struggles those of the upper class back in the 1880s. It was a world today’s women can’t imagine

Of course there were exceptions. But that’s not what today’s blog is about.

A woman of “class” couldn’t go out unsupervised. Women were discouraged from talking to men or women not of their social rank. Women could not have visitors unless her parents approved first. Could not have friends out of their class or color. Women didn’t bother learning household skills and were never party to the ways of money, bills, or financial security. You weren’t allowed to question those who provided for you. You couldn’t play with your children without a nanny or governess around.

And those corsets! Eeek!

Today I am reflecting on the freedom of women to be women. And to have that definition be whatever we choose it to be.

Equality is virtue that is rarely achieved. It is talked about, suggested, hinted at, and even achieved in some arenas. The opulence of the Gilded Age was a barrier in a class status that should not have had any barriers. After all, you had money. You had a beautiful house. You ate in the most opulent restaurants and danced in ballrooms. Other people did your laundry and cooked your food and made your clothes. You did nothing but study social protocols and keep your opinions to yourself.

You were more restricted than Imotep’s mummy.

I’m happy that I was born a hundred years later. I’ve had poor days and rich days. I’ve worked and vacationed and drank out of crystal wine glasses. I took care of my children 24/7 and changed my own sheets. I have friends of color and friends who are well off and friends who are struggling to make ends meet.

I am free to live my life the way that I want. 

I think my enjoyment of The Gilded Age boils down to crystal chandelier envy.

Which is fine with me…..